I put two new S-02's on my rear s2k today. It was funny, you can read about it here. https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=220237 They basicly put Bridgestone's S-02 255/50/ZR16 on my rear left tire. While for my rear right tire they put Bridgestone's Potenza S-02 255/50/R16 92W. So my question is could this be the cause the steering to the left and right when I let off the gas and mash on the gas? I wouldn't think so because they are both the same tire sizes. I could be wrong though. Jim or if anything can tell me I will be thankful.

Also, some says the S-02's were dicontinued. If that was true how come I still can buy some? Anyone also care to shed light on this topic?

Alan

 

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You need to look at the size of your tires one more time

 

WoOOPSS!! I meant 225 for both tires. not 255's Thanks for pointing that out.

Alan

 

Beginning in 1991, the speed symbol denoting a fixed maximum speed capability of new tires must be shown only in the speed rating portion of the tire's service description, such as 225/50R16 89S. The most common tire speed rating symbols, maximum speeds and typical applications are shown below:

N 87 mph 140 km/h Temporary Spare Tires
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars

When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest tire speed rating that would ever be required, in excess of 240 km/h or 149 mph. While Z-speed rated tires are capable of speeds in excess of 149 mph, how far above 149 mph was not identified. That ultimately caused the automotive industry to add W- and Y-speed ratings to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high top-speed capabilities.

W 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
Y 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars

While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size designation of these tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h; the W in the service description indicates the tire's 168 mph, 270 km/h maximum speed.

225/50ZR16 in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h
205/45ZR17 88W 168 mph, 270 km/h
285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h

Most recently, when the Y-speed rating indicated in a service description is enclosed in parentheses, such as 285/35ZR19 (99Y), the top speed of the tire has been tested in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h indicated by the service description as shown below:

285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h
285/35ZR19 (99Y) in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h

As vehicles have increased their top speeds into Autobahn-only ranges, the tire speed ratings have evolved to better identify the tires capability, allowing drivers to match the speed of their tires with the top speed of their vehicle.

Production tires that have passed all of the tests and received the engineering department's release can be branded with an N-specification. The N-specification brandings include: N-0 (N-zero), N-1, N-2, N-3 or N-4. These markings on a tire's sidewall clearly identify them as approved by Porsche for their vehicles. The N-0 marking is assigned to the first approved version of a tire design. As that design is refined externally or internally, the later significant evolutions will result in a new generation of the tire to be branded with N-1, N-2, N-3, etc., in succession. When a completely new tire design is approved, it receives the N-0 branding and the succession begins again.

It is recommended that only matching tires be used on Porsche vehicles. Since many Porsche vehicles are fitted with differently sized tires on their front and rear axles, this means matching the tire make, tire type and N-specification. If a vehicle was originally delivered with N-specification tires that have been discontinued and are no longer available, it is recommended to change all four tires to a higher numeric N-specification design appropriate for that vehicle. Mixed tire types are not permissible.

It is also important to know that while Porsche N-specification tires have been fine tuned to meet the specific performance needs of Porsche vehicles, the tire manufacturers may also build other tires featuring the same name, size and speed rating as the N-specification tires for non-Porsche applications. These tires may not be branded with the Porsche N-specification because they do not share the same internal construction and/or tread compound ingredients as the N-specification tires. Using tires that are not N-specific is not recommended and mixing them with other N-specification tires is not permissable.



The only ratings I came up with for 225-50-R16 were W and N3 speed ratings.

W is rated at 168 mph max. N3 is a specification that is approved for OEM tires for Porsche. The source of my info was not to clear and hard to understand. I assume that a N "Porsche" speed rated tire is a Z Y rating which is 186 mph.

The bottom line is this: The 225-50-R16 N3 S-02 is potentially a completely different tire in terms of inner construction and tread compound than the same tire that is W rated. These tires should NOT, I repeat NOT be mixed.

You can get all this info at tirerack.com. I would show this info to the person who sold you the tires and demand that they give you the matching w rated tire. The Porsche N3 tire is 8.1" wide while the S2000 W rated tire is 8.5.

These two tires are NOT to be mixed!!!


Sorry for writing a book hehehe

 

PHAT!! Thanks for educating me. Well, I went back to the place today, he clearly made a mistake and is going to give me my 225/50/R16 92W tire to replace the the 225/50/ZR16 on my rear left side.

Well, which brings up something else that is bugging my mind. Since right now I have mixed tires 225/50/R16 92W (rear right) and 225/50/ZR17 (rear left) it shouldn't damage my suspension in anyway should it? Also would it throw off my alignment?

Alan

 

You could probably drive at least 2-500 miles and not even put any considerable wear on the right rear meaning there will be absolutely no stagger when you put the new tire on the left rear. You can replace only one tire if the other tire on the same axel is worn less than say 20%. Other wise you have to replace two or 4 tires at a time. At this point in time, the right rear has no wear, therefore it is ok to change just one tire. It may handle funny for 1-300 miles as the newer tire needs to be scuffed in order for it to grip.

Your suspension will be fine as well as your alignment. You might want to have your alignment checked anyhow. Whether or not you trust the place that sold you the tires is a judgement call and is entirely up to you.

on Brotha